Alexia Putellas Sets Sail for London City Lionesses

14 Seasons in Barcelona Come to an End

Alexia Putellas has not been home since early June, spending months on planes, in hotels and across time zones. In May she lifted her fourth Champions League trophy, then bade farewell to Barcelona after 14 seasons. She described the decision as a peaceful one, noting that staying would have clouded the progress she had made.

Unveiling as London City Lionesses Player

Putellas officially joined Michele Kang’s London City Lionesses at the W Hotel in Union Square, Los Angeles. The move places her in England’s Women’s Super League, a league she sees as a fresh competitive challenge. Kang, a billionaire investor in women’s soccer, has backed clubs such as OL Lyonnes and the Washington Spirit.

Why a New League and Independent Club?

The former Barcelona midfielder cited the WSL’s intensity and the independent nature of London City as key draws. She contrasts the Spanish league, where Barcelona’s dominance has created a gap, with a league where any team can beat another. Her goal is to help a young club grow and prove that an independent side can compete.

From Camp Nou Crowds to Hayes Lane

Putellas recalls playing before 90,000 fans at Camp Nou early in her career, when only a few hundred watched the matches. London City’s Hayes Lane stadium holds about 6,000 spectators, offering a different kind of atmosphere. She aims to keep her current level as long as possible while acknowledging age‑related decline.

Injuries, Recovery, and Teaching the Next Generation

A 2022 ACL tear forced Putellas to miss the European Championship and reshaped her mindset about each game. After four years of work she returned to become the club’s second‑highest scorer with 20 goals in 43 games that season. She feels her comeback was earned and helps guide younger players at Barcelona.

Motivation for the WSL Battle

Winning the WSL remains one of her biggest goals, as it is the most competitive league where parity is the norm. She knows the challenge is steep, given the depth of the league and the fact that London City is still building. Putellas is ready to fill multiple roles, whether as a No. 9, winger or playmaker, to support the team.

Family, Finances and the Future

A two‑hour flight to her family in the U.S. made the London move attractive, she says, and money played no part in the decision. Putellas hopes Barcelona continues its success and plans to watch from afar. She describes the transition as a new adventure, marking a fresh professional and personal chapter.

Full‑Circle Impact

Her résumé includes four Champions Leagues, ten league titles, ten Copa de la Reina cups, four Spanish Super Cups, a World Cup and two Nations League trophies with Spain. The $55 million Kang Women’s Institute, aimed at research on ACL injuries, resonates with her own recovery story. Putellas says she lives for the present but will look back with nostalgia on this turning point.